This practitioners’ guide has been developed in close partnership with Shadow Great British Railways partners and the members of the Urban Transport Group (UTG), the UK’s network of transport authorities.

A central feature of the Railways Bill is the creation of statutory roles for Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs) as the basis for effective local partnership. This guide builds on and updates the Partnership Framework set out in the Government’s consultation “A Railway Fit for Britain’s Future”. It describes practical ways in which partnerships can empower places and the railway to work together effectively but without prescribing the detail. Partnerships should be locally led and respond to the unique needs and priorities of places.

This guide has been developed following an extensive consultation and listening exercise, including workshops and interviews.

This is the first issue of the guide. This guide will continue to be developed in collaboration between the railway and MSAs as practice and learning evolves.